Constructed wetlands to control nonpoint-source pollution

Patent · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:6164789

Wengrzynek, R L

The use of land for agriculture, urban development, and recreational purposes results in pollution that has potential to contaminate groundwater, streams, lakes and oceans. Aquatic ecosystems can be damaged by even small amounts of pollutants in runoff during storms and by cumulative impacts of chronic, low levels of pollution. Nutrients, pesticides and sediments can have long term effects on the ecosystems. The instant invention using constructed wetlands has been particularly useful for purposes of protecting ecosystems from untoward effects of nonpoint source pollution. The construct, containing in hydraulic order a sediment basin, level-lip spreader, grassy filter, wetland, and deep pond can be used to remove pollutants from nonpoint source runoff. Wetlands are planted with vegetation that encourages growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which are helpful in removing and detoxifying contaminants.

• Research Organization: Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC (United States)
• Assignee: Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC.
• Patent Number(s): PAT-APPL-7-764 924
• OSTI ID: 6164789
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
CONTROL
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FISHERIES
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
LAND USE
MASS TRANSFER
NUTRIENTS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
RUNOFF
SEDIMENTS
SURFACE WATERS
URBAN AREAS
WASTES
WATER
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WETLANDS